What Does the CL Code Mean on an LG Washing Machine?

LG Updated 28 March 2026
Quick Fix

Press and hold the Child Lock button combination (usually the Temp and Option buttons simultaneously) for 3 seconds until CL disappears from the display, restoring full control panel function (takes about 1 minute).

Fault description

When CL appears on your LG washing machine display, it means the child lock function has been switched on. This is a built-in safety feature designed to stop children — or anyone brushing against the panel — from accidentally changing settings or starting a cycle. It is not a fault or a sign that anything is broken.

While child lock is active, the control panel is completely unresponsive. You can press any button and nothing will happen, which can feel alarming if you did not knowingly activate it. The machine itself is fine; it is simply waiting for the lock to be released before it will accept any input.

This code appears on a range of LG front-loader models including the F1056 and F1068 series, among others. The good news is that clearing it takes under a minute once you know the correct button combination for your model.

Causes

  • Child lock deliberately activated — The most common reason for CL appearing is that someone in the household intentionally turned on the child lock, perhaps to stop young children interfering with a running cycle. It may simply have been forgotten about.
  • Accidental button press activating child lock — Leaning against the control panel, wiping it down, or a child pressing buttons can accidentally trigger the child lock combination. Because the gesture only requires holding two buttons for a few seconds, it can happen without the user realising.
  • Power interruption during a cycle — In some cases, a brief power cut or surge can cause the machine to restore with child lock enabled if it was previously set. The machine retains certain settings in memory and may reactivate the lock on restart.
  • Control panel button fault — Rarely, a sticky or partially stuck button can register as a long press and trigger the child lock unintentionally. If CL keeps reappearing shortly after you clear it, a faulty button may be the cause.
  • Software or firmware glitch — An occasional software hiccup can cause the machine to display CL even when child lock was not consciously activated. A power reset usually resolves this if the standard unlock method does not work.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. 1

    Identify the child lock button combination for your model

    On most LG washing machines in this range, child lock is toggled by pressing and holding the Temp and Option buttons at the same time. Check the label on your control panel or the user manual for your specific model, as the exact buttons can vary slightly between the F1056, F1068, and F1096 series.

  2. 2

    Press and hold the button combination for 3 seconds

    With the machine powered on, press both buttons simultaneously and hold them for approximately 3 seconds. You should hear a beep and see the CL indicator disappear from the display. Release the buttons once the code clears.

  3. 3

    Test the control panel

    Press a few buttons to confirm the panel is responding normally again. Try selecting a wash programme or adjusting the temperature. If the buttons respond as expected, the child lock has been successfully deactivated.

  4. 4

    Power cycle the machine if CL persists

    If the code does not clear after the button combination, switch the machine off at the wall socket and leave it unpowered for 2 minutes. Plug it back in, power it on, and try the unlock combination again. This clears any temporary software state that may be holding the lock active.

  5. 5

    Check for a stuck or stiff button

    If CL reappears within a short time of clearing it, inspect the control panel buttons carefully. Press each button individually and feel for any that seem sticky, sunken, or do not spring back properly. A button that is physically stuck can continuously re-trigger the child lock sequence.

  6. 6

    Consult your model's user manual for the exact unlock sequence

    If none of the above steps work, download the user manual for your specific model from the LG support website. Search for 'child lock' or 'CL' in the manual — some models in the F1073TD and F1091TD series use a slightly different button pairing. Following the exact sequence for your model number is the most reliable approach.

Affected models

When to call a service technician

In the vast majority of cases, CL is not a fault and requires no professional help. However, if you have tried every unlock method including a full power reset and the CL code returns immediately or cannot be cleared at all, this may point to a faulty control panel PCB or a defective button that is sending a continuous signal. These components cannot be repaired at home without specialist tools.

You should also contact a service technician if the control panel becomes completely unresponsive even after CL has been cleared, or if you notice any visible damage, burn marks, or moisture around the panel. A technician can test the PCB and individual membrane switches to identify whether a replacement part is needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my LG washing machine show CL but I never turned child lock on?

Child lock can be activated accidentally by leaning on the panel, wiping it while the machine is on, or a child pressing buttons. The combination only requires a 3-second hold of two buttons, so it can happen without you noticing. Simply follow the unlock steps to clear it.

Can I start a wash cycle while CL is showing?

No. While child lock is active, the entire control panel is disabled and the machine will not respond to any button presses, including the start button. You must clear the CL code first before you can select a programme or begin a cycle.

Does CL mean my washing machine is broken?

No, CL is not an error or fault code in the traditional sense. It is a status indicator showing that a deliberate safety feature is switched on. There is nothing wrong with the machine mechanically or electronically in the vast majority of cases.

My LG washing machine keeps showing CL again after I clear it — what should I do?

If CL reappears quickly after being cleared, suspect a stuck or faulty button on the control panel that is re-triggering the lock. Try a full power reset first by unplugging for 2 minutes. If the problem continues, the membrane keypad or control PCB may need to be inspected or replaced by a service technician.

Which buttons unlock child lock on LG washing machines in the F1056 and F1068 series?

On most models in these series, pressing and holding the Temp and Option buttons together for 3 seconds will toggle child lock on and off. However, the exact combination can vary, so always cross-check with the label on your control panel or your model's user manual to be certain.